Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “They both arrived home after a night-out drinking and an argument developed over smoking. The defendant received several blows to the face and in self-defence he said he pushed Katie Healy away and he went beyond self-defence and pushed her again and she hit a door frame and fell on the floor.”

Damian Healy then picked up a bottle and threw it at a set of doors which smashed, according to Ms Haslam.

The victim called police who confirmed Katie Healy had suffered bleeding and bruising to her left eye, bruising to a shoulder, a chipped tooth, marks to her left hand and arm, and bruising to her right arm.

Damian Healy told police he had had a cigarette which started tension and he claimed he had been punched in the face and had pushed the complainant to stop her and she went into a door.

He added that he then threw a bottle in anger which caused a smash. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault after the incident on June 26. Magistrates sentenced Damian Healy to a 12-month community order with rehabilitation and a two-year restraining order.